Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club opened in June 1896, with Willie Fernie of Royal Troon laying out the original nine holes. Just before the First World War, Open Champion Willie Park Jr. extended the course to a full 18 holes, but six of the new holes were lost during the war and never recovered, leaving Shiskine with its present-day 12 holes. Only the 5th and 9th survive from Fernie’s original layout; the course is often cited as the best 12-hole course in the world.
My wife had the great idea that we could go to the Isle of Arran. I had heard and read a lot of good things about Shiskine, so off we went. (There are 7 courses on Arran.) The play at Shishkine is a real rollercoaster ride through great linksland with stunning views over the sea to the Kintyre Peninsula. Do I have a favourite hole? Maybe the 212-yard crosswind par 3 5th – the Point. Or the blind 7th, a par 3 called Himalayas? Well, actually I thought they were all pretty good. Bonus: Very friendly and super helpful pro shop!
